I really hate these but I want to kill time while waiting for decisions. I have applied to the School of Hotel Administration and I want to know what my chance are like. So here are my stats.
GPA: 3.14 (UW)
SAT/Breakdown: 1990 (Superscored) / 600M/700CR/690W
Senior Year Courseload: Trigonometry, AP Bio, AP Spanish Lit, AP Euro, Sociology, Global Social Issues, Intro to Film, Honors English 12
Extracurriculars:
• Job as hostesss at IHOP in another state, 25-35 hours per week (grade 9-10)
• Job as cashier and server at pretzel place, 35-40 hours per week (grade 10)
• Job as cashier and crew member at fast food place, 35-45 hours per week (grade 11)/ quit because they were paying me less than what they should have been paying me
• cashier and crew member at very popular fast food restaurant, 26-40 hours per week (summer of grade 11-present)
• run an Instagram page that empathizes learning and academics; journal entry format but popular with an average of 700 likes per posting, 7,000+ followers; made to motivate myself and others
• volunteer coordinator of student outreach club; organizing senior citizens’ dinners, community outreach events
Essays:
Common App: 10/10. Didn’t apologize for my low GPA as it’s easy for them to connect the dots. Talked about how fun the world of fast food is, my fascination with meeting other new people everyday, how it has been a learning opportunity; slightly mentioned father’s drug and gambling addiction and how I needed to support my family throughout high school; very passionate and presents a love for the work I do (I actually love my current job); ended it with the idea that my role in helping others and spreading positivity, as I have in the workplace, doesn’t end after high school
SHA supplement: 8.5/10. Emphasized the happiness that serving others gives me. Talked abut how serving them sort of bridges a gap of misunderstanding. Talked about how I find it unwise to abandon the skills I’ve acquired. Mentioned that it’s healthy to move on with your skills and to keep working on them, as there is always room for improvement
Counselor Rec: 11/10. AMAZING. Basically my best friend lol. Knows about my situation. Says that it’s probably one of the best reccomendations she has ever written, longest she has ever written for sure. Realizes my potential and love for learning
Teacher Rec #1: 10/10. Amazing from what I heard. Junior year was the worst year and that is when I had this teacher. Regardless of my struggles and bad year, says I am one of the best she has ever taught.
Teacher Rec #2: 9/10. Great! Thinks I am a star student. Have always shown a love for the subject and am always enthusiastic.
Ethnicity: Black and White (mother is from North Africa and is also of European descent)
Sex: Female
Yup. I know it’s a long shot because of the GPA. I want some insight from all of you. I’m a bit nervous about admissions because I really want to move on with my life. I don’t want to end up like my parents and I just want to be able to enjoy life more and do what I love rather than settle for something. I hear that Cornell is all about fit. Perhaps I do have a chance. I don’t know. I moved this from the Cornell forum because I wasn’t getting any answers over there. I figured that the people coming to this forum have more experience and insight with nontraditonal students.
Adding onto this, if Cornell doesn’t pan out, would it make sense for someone with my circumstances to write an appeal letter or something?